June 25, 2021
Benjamin Briere, a Frenchman who has been detained in Iran since May 2020, will be tried for espionage and propaganda against the Islamic Republic.
Born in 1985, Briere was arrested when flying a drone and taking photographs in a “prohibited area.”
His lawyer, Saeid Dehqan, says the prosecution had confirmed the charges.
Currently jailed in Mash-had, Briere was also facing charges of “corruption on earth,” one of the most serious offences under Iranian law, and drinking alcohol, punishable by flogging, but those charges were dismissed after the investigation.
His lawyer said the propaganda charge was based on a social media posting that asked why headcoverings were required in Iran when they are optional in other Islamic countries.